In 2012, for the fifth year in a row, the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) is participating in the European Destinations of ExcelleNce (EDEN) project. Today, Slovenia prides itself on four EDEN destinations.

The STB has already applied to the new EDEN 2012/13 tender and if the project is approved for Slovenia, STB will begin with its selection activities at the national level at the end of 2012.

The Slovenian EDEN destinations almost all, as a rule, record above-average growth levels of overnight stays, especially by foreign tourists. The Soča Valley, the Solčavsko Region, the Kolpa River and Idrija are destinations that have strengthened their position in Slovenia in the last decade, especially in recent years, through the EDEN network and its promotional support. And they all await the summer with several new features.

In 2012, for the fifth year in a row, the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) is participating in the European Destinations of ExcelleNce (EDEN) project, one of the STB’s key strategic projects, through which, with the help of funding from the European Union, Slovenian destinations are encouraged to engage in the sustainable development of green tourism. Slovenia has participated in the project since the beginning and prides itself on four EDEN destinations; moreover, a new theme of excellence has already been applied for 2013. more...

Within the 36th meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia that was held on 30 June 2012, the Unesco World Heritage Committee reached an important decision for Idrija – the 2011 EDEN winner – and Slovenia. The common nomination of Slovenia and Spain, entitled Heritage of Mercury, saw Almaden and Idrija ranked on the list of world cultural and natural heritage under the auspices of Unesco. more...

The EDEN competition in 2010 celebrated destinations for innovative approaches towards aquatic tourism. The Kolpa River was selected as Slovenia’s winner. The river is considered the longest Slovenian “coastline" and one of the warmest rivers in Slovenia. The selection represented a very important boost for the destination from the following points of view: an increasing number of foreign visitors who select this remote destination instead of classic tourist destinations and the number of new features developed along the river. more...

In 2009, EDEN focused on tourism in protected areas. The Solčavsko Region as the winner was no surprise since this area has represented an example of good practice for a long time, especially with its deliberate sustainable development; one of its most recognisable natural postcards from Slovenia was the image of the Logarska Valley. The destination continues its development path, while the new heart and generator of new features was established last spring, with the opening of the multi-purpose centre for sustainable development – the Center Rinka. more...

In 2008, EDEN’s theme was tourism and local intangible heritage. The Soča Valley, with its rich World War I heritage was selected as Slovenias first winner, while the emerald beauty, the Soča River, leaves an unforgettable mark and pulse on this destination. The tourist destinations Bovec, Kobarid and Tolmin have surprised us with new features throughout the years, while the dynamics this summer are especially strong, including several new features in the accommodation offer, adrenaline parks and international festivals. more...

In 2012, when there was no new selection for an EDEN destination, the Slovenian Tourist Board, also at the level of the European Commission for the entire EDEN network, has been conducting active promotional support for the existing four Slovenian EDEN destinations and, to a certain extent, also for the 11 runners-up chosen in Slovenia in the past 4 years. The Soča Valley, the Solčavsko Region, the Kolpa River and Idrija represent the core of good green practice and green offer at the level of destinations in Slovenia – in other words, this is an actual and developed tourist product, ready to be sold. more...

A new lifestyle and way of consumerism, called LOHAS, also brings changes to the tourist market. We are more and more often dealing with a society where the following is important: community, nature, authenticity and selfness - indulgence where one is closer to nature, as some sort of an antidote against everyday stress. Consequently, natural destinations that base their development on the balance of the natural, social and economic aspects are increasing their tourist visits. EDEN destinations are such destinations. This is also demonstrated by the extremely good statistics of the Slovenian EDEN destinations. more...

Among the many different aims of the EDEN initiative, one is to create a platform for the exchange of good practices in the field of sustainable tourism at a European level and to promote networking between awarded destinations. Every year the new winners are invited to join. In total, 98 destinations of the EDEN awarded destinations in 26 participating countries were selected and awarded in the period 2007-2011. All of them are members of the EDEN Network. more...

To present the Slovenian EDEN destinations this summer, the Slovenian Tourist Board published a new presentation brochure that includes the stories behind the four Slovenian EDEN destinations; moreover, it also presents all the features and uniqueness in their offer. The brochure also includes key events in 2013. If you visit all four Slovenian EDEN destinations, you will experience Slovenia in a very diverse manner, yet in tight harmony with the natural and social environment. more...